UNIVERSITY of the Philippines started its campaign on a high note with quick win over University of the East, 25-20, 25-13, 25-21, on Sunday in the season-opener of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Fourth year spiker Nicole Tiamzon had nine markers, which was matched by rookies Justine Dorog and Diana Mae Carlos.
Lady Maroons coach Gerry Yee was pleased with the result, which gives his rookies a big boost in morale ahead of their match against powerhouse La Salle on Saturday.
“As expected, syempre rookies pa rin ’yan, ang dami-daming tao sa next game siguro wala na jitters,” he said.
“But of course hoping kami next game adjusted na kasi jitters ’yan eh, kailangan natin magbago lalo pa next game kalaban natin La Salle,” he added.
Skipper Kathy Bersola, back from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury on her left knee, added seven points for the Lady Maroons.
Yee is confident Dorog, Isa Molde and Mae Angeli Basarte, players UP acquired from Hope Christian High School, which he also coaches, would make an impact early.
“Masaya naman sila naglalaro we are trying to execute but of course ang dami pang error but chemistry is not a problem,” said Yee.
“Ang tagal na magkakasama ’yan. Kasi kahit na karamihan ’yan nasa Hope nakiki-practice na ’yan sa UP and ’yung iba nakakausap na natin kumbaga nasa plano naman eh.”
UP finished third in the V-League Reinforced Conference in December but Yee is keeping expectations modest.
“We will give it a good fight, hindi kagaya noong mga last seasons na tentative tayo,” he said. “Siguro ngayon tentative tayo but with a purpose. Meron tayong tina-try na i-execute pwedeng magkamali tayo pero meron tayo-tinatry.”
Ma. Shaya Adorador scored seven points for UE.